Local Bridge Program (Critical Bridge Fund)

The Local Bridge Program (LBP), administered by the Michigan Department of Transportation Local Agency Program Bridge Unit, develops and manages a rolling three-year bridge program using federal and state funds to assist local municipalities in replacing and rehabilitating bridges and maintaining the local bridge system.

Eligible applicants are local municipalities designated under Public Act 51 as eligible to receive state and federal transportation funds, specifically county road commissions and departments, cities, and villages.

Eligible projects include local bridge replacement, rehabilitation, and preventive maintenance. Projects must comply with federal and state regulations as well as AASHTO standards prior to bid advertisement and letting.

Funding is allocated through an annual application call for projects. Applications are reviewed by Local Bridge Program staff engineers and rated and selected by a statewide group of seven Regional Bridge Councils and the Local Bridge Advisory Board. Staff engineers then collaborate with successful applicants through design, review, and letting phases.